THE panto-free zone at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre is leading to a boom time for other local venues.

The Belgrade Theatre was forced to cancel this year's pantomime for the first time in its history because of building works delays. The loss has led to audiences flocking to other pantos in the area.

The Royal Spa Centre in Leamington is reporting a staggering 60 per cent rise in ticket sales on last year for its family panto Sleeping Beauty.

Jenna Jack, of the Spa Centre, said the loss of Coventry's Belgrade panto, the Spa Centre's new online booking service and the all-new production of Sleeping Beauty had all led to the boost in ticket sales.

She said: "To accommodate demand we have had to put on extra schools performances and box office staff are working twice as hard to ensure everyone has the seat and performance of their choice."

Bedworth Civic Hall is also attracting Coventry audiences with its pantomime special of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs.

Lisa Redhead, of the civic hall, said: "Every year the panto proves more and more popular and we have a very solid local audience.

"This year we are attracting extra school parties from Coventry and some school performances have already sold out. We are now offering school rates for some evening performances to meet demand."

Coventry's Three Spires Musical Society has already extended its run of Sleeping Beauty at the College Theatre, The Butts, to cope with demand for tickets.

Sarah Tuson, of the Three Spires, said: "We are the only large-scale pantomime on offer in Coventry and demand has been phenomenal. Almost half of our performances are already sold out and we are inviting school parties to get in touch if they are interested in special rates. People need to book early if they don't want to be disappointed."